Applying to be a Volunteer NHS Lothian uses a demand led approach to the recruitment and placing of volunteers. This approach means that volunteers are placed where they can make the biggest difference to patients, families and services and enables interesting and meaningful volunteer roles. The demand led recruitment process has four steps. The Voluntary Services Team work closely with services and patients to identify where and how volunteers can add value Together they create a role description which identifies tasks to be completed and the attributes, skills and knowledge required for the task The opportunity is advertised (see examples of the kinds of roles read the volunteering opportunities page) On receiving applications there is a selection process to ensure that the right volunteer is matched with the right opportunity Requirements to volunteer with NHS Lothian Volunteers must: be aged 16 or over be able to make a regular commitment of two or more hours a week for a minimum of six months receive satisfactory appropriate clearance from Disclosure Scotland receive occupational health clearance for your agreed role, this includes confirming vaccination status for some key workplace acquired infections (measles, chickenpox, tuberculosis) satisfactorily participate in mandatory training Our recruitment process for volunteers Application Pack To apply to volunteer please thoroughly explore these website pages to and then complete our online application form. If you need any support to fill out your application, please see our Application Guidance for further details. Preparing for Interview Once we have reviewed an application form and it meets our minimum criteria, applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the Voluntary Services Team. We are currently running group interviews for our Volunteering Programme. During these there will be a mixture of activities on the day from pair work to group work, some seated and some active (walking for 2 x 20 minutes round the hospital and on feet during group work too). We are looking for volunteers who are good communicators and who can demonstrate our values of care and compassion; teamwork; quality; openness, honesty and responsibility; and dignity and respect. Applicants should consider how they might show us these qualities at the interview. Applicants will have some 1:1 time booked in with the Voluntary Services Manager during the group interview. This is when we’ll check ID and discuss any concerns/support requirements that may be needed. Applicants are encouraged to be open and honest during these discussions as we are keen to support volunteers in a meaningful way. Volunteering within NHS Lothian is a unique opportunity and it is not for everyone. Our interviews provide a chance for us to assess the applicant’s suitability to volunteer with NHS Lothian and to provide a space for applicants to ask any questions they may have. Based on the interview the Voluntary Services Team will determine if the applicant is suitable to progress to training. Where an applicant is unsuccessful at this stage, feedback can be provided as well as information on alternative volunteering opportunities. Occupational Health Occupational Health is a team that helps ensure volunteers can undertake their role safely. They work with volunteers directly and with our team to identify any support, reasonable adjustments or health-related considerations that may be needed before volunteering begins. If you are successful at interview, you will be referred to Occupational Health as part of the recruitment process. You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire, including questions about your vaccination history and any relevant health conditions. We recommend obtaining a copy of your vaccination record as soon as possible if you don’t have this, as GP practices can sometimes take up to 30 days to provide this information. Vaccinations are not mandatory for volunteers. However, Occupational Health is required to assess vaccination status and discuss any recommended immunisations relevant to your role. If you do not have evidence, or if you have moved to the UK from another country, additional checks or immunity testing may be required in order to place you in certain clinical areas (e.g., Accident and Emergency). This can sometimes extend the time needed to complete Occupational Health clearance, so there may be a delay in you starting your role. We will do our best to place volunteers in their agreed role as quickly as possible, but in some cases volunteering cannot begin until Occupational Health has confirmed that all necessary checks have been completed. Training We want every NHS Lothian volunteer to feel equipped, confident and supported in their role. All volunteers complete a comprehensive induction covering essential topics such as safeguarding, confidentiality, inclusion, health and safety, communication and infection prevention and control. Role-specific training is provided where required, and volunteers have access to a wide range of additional learning opportunities throughout their volunteering journey. Through a mixture of online and face-to-face learning, we support volunteers to develop new skills, gain confidence and provide the best possible experience for the people they support.Our volunteer induction training consists of the following: Three e-learning modules (approximately 3 hours) One in-person training session with your Volunteering Manager (approximately 3 hours) For ward-based roles, two additional e-learning modules covering Dementia Awareness and Mealtime Assistance How Volunteers Are Supported Each NHS Lothian site has an assigned Voluntary Services Manager who is responsible for the recruitment, placement and support of volunteers for that site. The Voluntary Services Manager will be in regular contact with the volunteer to ensure that everything is going smoothly and the volunteer is confident, comfortable and enjoying their role. The Voluntary Services Manager will also provide: support to address any issues information and updates additonal training on themes such as dementia awareness facilitated peer support newsletters expenses references
